Spanish priest Father Bernardo Blanco dies at 97 after nearly 50 years in Philippines

Spanish missionary priest Father Bernardo Blanco, who spent nearly 50 years in the Philippines and was once kidnapped by extremists in Basilan province, passed away on Monday, March 10, at a Quezon City hospital.

Blanco, born in Spain in November 1927, entered the Claretian Missionaries in September 1946 and was ordained in 1953.

In 1993, Blanco was abducted by Abu Sayyaf extremists while driving to his parish church and endured 49 days in captivity before escaping with the help of paramilitary troops.

The Claretian Missionaries praised Blanco's unwavering commitment despite facing expulsion from Equatorial Guinea and enduring kidnapping, highlighting his deep devotion to the Blessed Mother.

Blanco's abduction brought global attention to the dangers faced by Catholic missionaries in conflict zones, particularly after another Claretian missionary was abducted and killed seven years later.

He served as a parish priest in Basilan before returning to Quezon City where he continued his spiritual work until his passing at 97 years old.